City council Monday sparred over a new list of priorities heading into the final year of the term.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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City councillors and Mayor Linnsie Clark sparred over a slimmed down set of priorities for the last year of city council, including the potential for City Hall to lead a working group on addressing issues of mental health, addiction and crime with the province.
A list of four priorities includes seeking efficiency at city hall, rolling out an economic development program and finalizing a recreation plan, including a south-side facility.
But, also, another call on the city to “lead a provincial/municipal/community urgent response to social disorder.”
That is badly needed and a major issue in the public, say councillors, who met earlier this month to refine a set of priorities set in 2022 when the term began.
It’s actually problematic, argued Clark, and a reversal of previous working philosophy that the Alberta government was the responsible party, with health, housing and crime under provincial jurisdiction.
“It’s difficult for me to support this if we’re creating a task force, or taking over any issues,” said Clark in heated discussion, during which she said she didn’t take part in discussions of the priorities.
“I felt the notion of spending time and money at sessions so close to the next election, when another council would come in and decide their own future,” she said.
She added that an original 2022 set of goals was to be scheduled for action last year, but hasn’t been.
Other councillors told her in discussion that they feel it’s important, addresses concerns in the community and it’s worth refocusing priorities in the final year.
“The intention is to signal to admin and the public about where we want to go,” said Coun. Darren Hirsch.
“I feel you missed a great chance to understand the conversations and genesis of the strategic plan. You couldn’t attend and that’s unfortunate. Frankly we should have looked at it every year.”
Clark also questioned a city workforce evaluation, stating the city has yet to inventory service levels, and the recreation plan specifically outlines the south end as in need of a new facility.
Before voting, she noted the social issue after city manager Ann Mitchell said staff was working on potential options to meet council requests in November.
“Depending on what leadership looks like … I can support it in principle (tonight),” said Clark.
Council members met earlier this month to discuss strategic priorities and arrived at the four main topics.
In the case of social disorder, the matter and potential for pilot projects or partnerships has already been discussed with Premier Danielle Smith. Coun. Shila Sharps said she had the blessing of council members to approach Smith at a recent conference to discuss the issue.
Coun. Andy McGrogan felt local police and social agencies would lead the effort.
Coun. Alison Van Dyke said the item, and entire list, is a response to community concerns.
“Some may not be ours to solve,” she said, but felt the city could drive action at other levels of government.
Coun. Cassi Hider said the list “shifts” priorities, while Coun. Romana Robins said the priorities are not new.
“Some are in the works – they are not new tasks – but they are focused,” she said.
